Jonathan Waxman

Jonathan Waxman (born 1950) is an American chef who was one of the pioneers of California cuisine and is credited with being the first to bring its style, fusing French cooking techniques with the freshest local ingredients, to New York.[1]

Waxman eventually gave up his career as a trombonist to study at La Varenne cooking school in France.[4] He then became chef at the birthplace of California cuisine, Chez Panisse, following the departure of Jeremiah Tower.[5] In 1979, he and chef-entrepreneur Michael McCarty opened Michael's restaurant in an old mansion near the Santa Monica beach; the groundbreaking cuisine attracted diners from all over America.[6] Five years later, he opened Jams Restaurant on East 79th Street in New York; the chance to dine with what New York Magazine called "an elder statesman of the new California cooking" made Jams the most sought after dining sensation of the season.[7] His work at Jams made him a celebrity chef; "whoever said chefs in the 80's were like rock-and-roll stars", said one reviewer, "had Jonathan in mind."[3] Among other restaurants created by Waxman are Bud's, Hulot's, Jams of London and Table 29.[8]Esquire magazine put him on its list of most influential Americans.[9]

Waxman is currently the chef-owner of Barbuto in New York City's West Village. a.[10] (West County Grill closed in August 2008) According to New York Magazine, Barbuto's food is "rustic Italian," and the mood is "casually hip."[11] His new cookbook, Italian, My Way published by Simon & Schuster, features recipes that are "Italian flavored by unmistakably Californian elements".[12]

In 2010, Waxman was a contestant on Bravo's Top Chef: Masters. He was eliminated in the penultimate episode, placing fourth out of twenty-two competitors.[13]James Oseland, one of the main judges for season two of Top Chef: Masters, has been quoted saying, "I think he is one of the country’s greatest chefs."[14]